HJR 268

Celebrating the life of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Irene Cuda Rosenbaum, a loving wife and mother, distinguished patent examiner, devoted volunteer, and beloved member of the Springfield community, died on July 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, born in Washington, D.C., Irene Rosenbaum graduated from Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, before earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum contributed meaningfully to innovation and the advancement of intellectual property in the United States by dedicating 20 years of service to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where she served as a patent examiner in the mechanical arts and oversaw the issuance of patents to 2,056 inventions; and
WHEREAS, a trailblazer in her field, Irene Rosenbaum was the first woman in her art unit at the USPTO and became the first employee to secure maternity leave, serving as both a member of the negotiating team and the test case in 1989; her success led to paid parental leave being extended to all employees, benefiting generations of patent professionals; and
WHEREAS, through her exemplary leadership with the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA), including service as a delegate to its executive committee, Irene Rosenbaum advocated for her colleagues and received numerous honors for her outstanding service, including the POPA Distinguished Service Award and the United States Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award for Superior Federal Service; and
WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum devoted 17 years of volunteer service to Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, where she tutored, mentored, and supported countless students, becoming a cherished fixture in the school community known for her warmth, generosity, and tireless dedication to children's success; and
WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum also gave generously of her time to the First Baptist Church of Springfield and St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Springfield, living out her faith through service, compassion, and steadfast care for others; and
WHEREAS, after suffering a major stroke in 2004 and being told she would never walk again, Irene Rosenbaum demonstrated extraordinary bravery and resolve as she overcame every challenge she faced and inspired all who witnessed her resilience and strength; and
WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum's legacy of service and commitment to education continues through the Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Fund, established to support the students and staff of Crestwood Elementary School, and through the Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist local students in pursuing higher education; and
WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her husband of nearly 26 years, Mark; her children, Joseph, Carmine, and Gilman, and their father, Carmine; her sisters, Valerie and Kathy; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum, a cherished member of the Springfield community whose light brightened countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.